Functions and Roles

The differential gear is a part of the power transmission device. The driving force generated by an engine is transmitted to the tires through various types of bevel gears. Differential gear is representative of the automotive components that incorporate such bevel gears. The differential gear assembly absorbs rotational differences due to the direction change of the rotational axis drive and/or the rotational differences between the right and left wheels that lead to smooth cornering.

Hypoid gear set

Vehicle models:
Used for the final decelerator and changing angle for all four-wheel drive vehicles.

Characteristics:
Converts rotation axis by 90°, and also offsets the torsion position relationship of the two gear axles. SHOWA's gears offer excellent gear strength and quiet operation.
This gear set offers high strength and excellent quietness.

Viscous coupling

Transfer gear set

Characteristics:Driving power is conveyed to the propeller shaft through a 90° transfer.

Differential gear assemblies for ATVs

Vehicle models:
4WD ATVs

Characteristics:
Loaded with LSD (limited slip differentials) function, overall vehicle traversal is improved. Maturity has lead to the achievement of the reduction of the number of parts as well as major weight reductions.

SHOWA'S Approach

Durability, transmission efficiency, and quiet operation are required of drive train products. At SHOWA, we satisfy these requirements by utilizing various approaches from numerous perspectives, including optimization of shapes based on structural analysis and processing method selection. In particular, SHOWA is devoting its energies to research into new gear processing methods that will greatly improve hypoid gear performance and cost. One example is our face hob cutting. Our gears are quieter than face mill gears (used in approximately 80% of Japan's passenger cars), and we've also achieved processing cost reductions.